The Beach Club is located at the western corner of the main beach. Our friendly team including our Naturalist, Marine and Dive specialists are available at the Beach Club to provide information and assist with bookings. Please note that many of our services are complimentary however charges do apply for some experiences.
Lizard Island is a continental island surrounded by fringing reef with easy access to the ribbon reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. The world renowned Cod Hole is a 90 minute boat ride from the island.
This PADI course is designed for beginners with no prior experience who have always dreamed of diving without committing to the full open water course. The course includes equipment hire, classroom session and one supervised shore dive with a qualified dive instructor.
*Minimum age of 12 years is required and subject to successful completion of a medical questionnaire.
Upon completion of the course you may choose to book follow-up dives with your private PADI instructor aboard one of our vessels to the reef.
For certified divers who have not been diving in the last 12 months, we offer complimentary refresher dives off the beach before you take the plunge out on to the reef.
A complete range of modern dive equipment is available at the Beach Club, including GoPro Hire.
A full day private guided reef trip, including on-board lunch. We will take you to two spectacular sites which subject to tides may include the world famous Cod Hole where you will have a chance to interact with a magnificent array of fish and appreciate the fantastic coral. Whether you choose to snorkel or dive, it is sure to be an experience you will remember for a lifetime.
Visit a local reef site for a relaxed morning excursion. The fringing reefs surrounding these areas offer a unique contrast to the outer reef experience.
Join the crew for a dive within the local waters of Lizard Island. Visit the Cobia Hole or Blue Lagoon or one of the other local sites for a personalised dive. MV Nemo and MV Bella offer the following full day and half day reed explorations:
Safety regulations on Lizard Island require that guests travelling from the Island by helicopter and/or by fixed wing aircraft must not dive for a minimum of 24 hours prior
to flying.
Our other water activities include motorised dinghies, kayaks, Sea Darts, stand up paddle boards and our twilight cruise.
This very popular activity is a signature experience of Lizard Island. It allows you access to Lizard’s many secluded beaches. We’ll pack you a personalised morning or afternoon refreshments pack so that you can spend hours exploring, snorkelling and enjoying your magnificent surroundings. Step on shore at Watson’s Beach and visit the crumbling remains of the stone cottage where the tragic tale of Mary Watson began or visit Mermaid Cove with its turquoise water and many outcrops of coral.
Please note that bookings are essential and we recommend 24 hours’ notice to avoid disappointment. All bookings are made at the Beach Club. Morning or afternoon refreshments pack forms are available at the restaurant, reception and beach club.
Try the most exciting way to explore the reef. Our tour guide will escort you on an adrenalin charged marine adventure exploring the fringing reefs of Anchor Bay, Watson's Bay and the famous Clam Gardens.
Accompanied by one of our knowledgeable marine staff, the Sea Darts allow you to explore and enjoy more of our amazing reefs surrounding the island while not becoming exhausted. Minimum 12 years of age.
Take a leisurely paddle or kayak around beautiful Anchor Bay. We offer stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. Tuition for all crafts is available (tidal restrictions do apply).
Enjoy an intimate cruise along the beaches with uninterrupted views of a glorious Lizard Island sunset (weather permitting).
Cruise includes a sampling of fine Australian wine and cheese.
We invite you to join us on one of our guided interpretive walks to help you understand the island environment on more than an aesthetic level. Our guides will share with you secrets of the island’s flora, fauna and geographical features.
On various walks you can learn about Lizard Island’s original inhabitants and their bush tucker, follow in the footsteps of James Cook on a hike to the summit of Cook’s Look or visit Watson’s Cottage to learn about Lizard Island’s first European inhabitants.
40 minutes return
Leading off the road to the airstrip a short steep track leads up to a granite ridge between the Resort and Watson’s Bay. A lookout at the top of Chinaman’s Ridge provides stunning views over both Anchor and Watson’s Bays. The track then continues down the other side of the ridge to link up with the Watson’s Bay walk track.
1 hour return
From the bottom of Chinaman’s Ridge, turn left and follow the track towards Watson’s Bay Beach. The track leads onto a boardwalk through the mangroves and then joins a sandy track which passes by the ruins of Watson’s Cottage and on to the beach. The start to Cook’s Look track is at the far end of the beach.
1-2 hours return
A track begins at the far end of the airstrip that leads you to Mangrove Beach. Whilst walking alongside the airstrip, please be aware of air traffic and keep to the outside of the white marker cones at all times (the airstrip is a restricted area).
3-4 hours return
Should you wish to attempt this walk unguided we ask that before you leave, you register at Reception and then check back with us upon your return. Please note that dusk, late afternoon and wet weather walks to Cook’s Look are not recommended due to the distance involved. This is an arduous climb and a medium to high level of fitness and agility is required.
Throughout the week we will schedule slide presentations with our Naturalist on a range of marine and terrestrial topics. Learn more about this fascinating reef and island environment and the unique creatures that call it home.
With very little light pollution on Lizard Island, you will be amazed at the night skies.
You can explore the amazing Southern Cross skies at your leisure. Please see Reception if you would like to be dropped off at the Lizard Island Airstrip, or simply enjoy the short walk there for the best views of the stars on clear nights.
If you have never snorkelled before, or it has been a while and your confidence is lacking, we recommend that you participate in our complimentary snorkel lessons.
Please collect your snorkelling equipment from the Beach Club prior to the lesson. Refer to your activities guide for daily times.
A 30-minute complimentary snorkelling lesson is available, please enquire at the Beach Club for available times. Your mask, snorkel and fins can be borrowed from the Beach Club and used for the duration of your stay.
Join your in-water guide for an introduction to marine life tour at one of our many dazzling locations around Lizard Island.
Under the supervision of our qualified guide, you’ll discover amazing fish, coral and other marine creatures that thrive just metres below the surface. This activity is suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers. Beginners are recommended to participate in the ‘Introduction to Snorkelling’ prior to joining this activity.
There is an abundance of reef snorkelling in Anchor Bay, in front of the Resort, as well as at Sunset Beach and Watson’s Bay where large concentrations of giant clams can be viewed, both within short walking distance from the Resort.
Led by experienced guides offering interpretation and safety, snorkel trips are the ideal way to experience the amazing fish and coral of the Great Barrier Reef. Half day and full day trips are available, travelling to sites equally accessible to snorkelers as well as divers.
Please book snorkel trips at the Beach Club on arrival. Charges apply.
The waters surrounding Lizard Island are a swimming, diving and snorkelling wonderland, featuring an array of outstanding sites such as Mermaid Cove and the Clam Gardens, home to an array of Giant Clams. With the island’s location on the Great Barrier Reef, we 90 minutes away from the stunning outer reef including the world famous Cod Hole.
We have designed many activities, no matter your experience, that will introduce you to the wonders of this amazing underwater world. Our team at the Beach Club will be happy to offer suggestions, tuition and advice on activities to suit you. Alternatively, refer to your Activities Guide or talk to one of our friendly staff, available at the Beach Club, to provide information and assist with bookings.
The trolling and bottom line fishing in surrounding reefs is extremely exciting. Trolling with light tackle gear you can expect to catch anything from Spanish Mackerel to Tuna, Queenfish or Trevally. Lizard Island does promote catch and release however guests have the option of one of our chefs preparing your daily catch for you to enjoy in the Lizard Island restaurant.
For heavy tackle fishing, there is no better place than the waters that surround Lizard Island. The outer reef is where the famous Black Marlin come to breed from September through to December each year. No experience is necessary; the expert crew are available to assist at all times.
The waters surrounding Lizard Island boast some of the most exciting fishing in the world. Black Marlin fishing season is from September to December. Each year fish weighing an incredible 1,000 pounds are caught and released here. Please be aware that our policy in relation to Marlin fishing is one of tag and release. All fishing is conducted in accordance with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s zoning.
The MV Duyfken is a 51 foot Riviera Platinum Model Flybridge Cruiser that has a cruise speed of 20 knots and can take up to 10 passengers (including crew). It is available for private charter. These charters are flexible and fully geared to your choice of activity. You may choose to combine fishing with snorkelling or diving or maybe visit a nearby coral island for the day.
A full day on the water will give you the opportunity to explore fishing spots a little further afield in the hopes of catching species like Spanish Mackerel, Tuna, Trevally, Mahi–mahi, Giant Dart, Sailfish and Black Marlin at certain times of the year. Fishing tackle of the highest quality is provided.
There are three reef systems close to the island and accessible via a short boat ride. These spectacular locations are are home to an amazing variety of fish including Mackerel, Queenfish, Trevally and other pelagic species.
Some of the most exciting light tackle sports fishing can be enjoyed in the waters near Lizard Island. Many of the fish caught are of superb eating quality and can be prepared by our chefs. What a great way to end a magnificent day’s fishing!